Police investigating Old Saybrook burglary, chase incident

Old Saybrook – An interrupted burglary led to an intensive manhunt and lockdown of a neighborhood Wednesday, ending with the suspect still on the loose.

At about 7:45 p.m., a resident on Mill Rock Road East arrived home to find a man exiting his home with property stolen from his house, police said. The suspect fled the area in a vehicle while the home owner called 911 to provide a description of the vehicle and suspect.

Moments later an accident was reported on Schoolhouse Road with a car on its side. When officers arrived they learned the operator had fled on foot. The vehicle and suspect description matched the man from the prior burglary. The vehicle also matched one reported stolen from New London earlier in the day, according to a statement from Old Saybrook police.

The town alerted residents about the incident via a reverse 911 system and through social media updates, warning people to secure their houses and stay inside.

Old Saybrook police were joined in the search by state police and officers from Clinton and Madison and several dog teams. Several roadblocks were set up while police searched the Schoolhouse Road area.

Police said a resident on Dibble Road reported seeing the suspect in his yard and then attempt to gain entry into his garage.

The search for the suspect lasted into the early morning hours but was unsuccessful, said Old Saybrook Lt. Kevin R. Roche. The investigation is ongoing, evidence is being processed and leads are being followed, he said in a statement.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, wearing a white tank top and jeans. The suspect also had a laceration on his arm.

Anyone who saw the suspect or has additional information should contact Old Saybrook police at (860) 395-3142.